Cost of Living in Memphis, TN

With a cost of living index of 79, Memphis, TN is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Tennessee state average. As a major city with a population of 629,063, Memphis offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Memphis's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,123 (15% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $157,100 (48% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Memphis is $51,211, which is 32% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 26% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.